§3524.  Records

A.  The commissioner may require processors or distributors, that are subject to the provisions of any marketing order which is issued pursuant to this Chapter, to maintain books and records which reflect their operations under such marketing order, and to furnish him with such information as may be requested by him which relate to operations under such marketing order, and to permit the inspection by the commissioner of such portions of such books and records as relate to operations under such marketing order.

B.  Such information shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed to any other person except to an attorney who is employed to give legal advice upon it, or by court order.

C.  The commissioner may hold hearings, take testimony, administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and issue subpoenas for the production of books, records, or documents of any kind.

D.  A person shall not be excused from such hearing or from producing documentary evidence, before the commissioner in obedience to the subpoena of the commissioner on the ground, or for the reason, that the testimony or evidence, documentary, or otherwise, which is required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture.  A person shall not be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he may be so required to testify during such hearing, or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, before the commissioner in obedience to a subpoena which is issued by him.  A person testifying is not, however, exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying.

Added by Acts 1978, No. 500, §1; Acts 2009, No. 24, §8J, eff. June 12, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 861, §3.